Folding Board System and Method

ABSTRACT

A folding board system comprising a plurality of board sections rotatably coupled via one or more hinge assemblies between respective board sections. In various embodiments, the folding board system is configured to assume a plurality of configurations including: a folded configuration wherein the plurality of board sections assume a stacked configuration and an assembled configuration wherein the plurality of board sections extend along a common axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/983,350 entitled FOLDING BOARD SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed Apr. 23, 2014. This application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Folding and collapsible board systems are known in the art, but suffer from various deficiencies. For example, some systems include a plurality of board and assembly pieces that can be taken apart to reduce the size of an elongated board. Unfortunately, disassembly and re-assembly of such systems is time consuming and cumbersome, especially when there are multiple board sections and assembly pieces. Moreover, having assembly and board pieces that become physically separate is not desirable because if any one piece is lost, then the system becomes inoperable.

Additionally, while some board systems allow for reduced volume or length, which may be desirable for travel, existing board systems fail to provide for a compact stacked arrangement that allows board pieces to remain integrally connected.

Moreover, existing folding or collapsing board systems fail to provide a board that is sufficiently rigid or structurally sound, and such systems are prone to undesirable bending or decoupling. Accordingly, while such systems provide for folding or collapsing, the assembled board is not suitable for its intended purpose and fails to perform like a non-collapsible or non-folding board.

In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved folding board system and method to overcome the aforementioned obstacles and deficiencies of conventional collapsible board systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is an exemplary perspective drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system.

FIG. 1 b is an exemplary side-view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system in a folded configuration.

FIG. 1 c is an exemplary side-view drawing illustrating an embodiment of the folding board system of FIG. 1 b in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 a is an exemplary exploded top view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system.

FIG. 2 b is an exemplary exploded side view drawing illustrating the embodiment of the folding board system of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 c is an exemplary side view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a hinge mechanism and a latch clip.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective drawing illustrating an embodiment of a hinge assembly.

FIG. 4 a is an exemplary perspective drawing illustrating an embodiment of a hinge assembly in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 b is an exemplary perspective drawing illustrating the hinge assembly of FIG. 4 a in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 4 c is an exemplary front-perspective drawing illustrating the hinge assembly of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 d is an exemplary rear-perspective drawing illustrating the hinge assembly of FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 a is an exemplary side view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system in an assembled configuration and comprising dual-axis hinges.

FIG. 5 b is an exemplary side view drawing illustrating the folding board system of FIG. 5 a in a folded configuration.

FIG. 5 c is an exemplary top-view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system having the dual-axis hinges of FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.

FIG. 6 a is an exemplary side view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system in an assembled configuration and comprising a hinge assembly.

FIG. 6 b is an exemplary perspective view drawing illustrating the hinge assembly of FIG. 6 a in a folded configuration.

FIG. 6 c is an exemplary perspective view drawing illustrating the hinge assembly of FIGS. 6 a and 6 b in a folded configuration.

FIG. 7 a is an exemplary perspective view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a draw latch.

FIG. 7 b is an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a folding board system in an assembled configuration and comprising a plurality of the draw latches of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7 c is an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a folding board system in an assembled configuration and comprising a draw latch of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8 a is an exemplary side view illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system in a folded configuration and comprising a living hinge.

FIG. 8 b is an exemplary side view illustrating the folding board system of FIG. 8 a in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 8 c is an exemplary cut-away top view illustrating an embodiment of a folding board system comprising a hinge assembly with fixing rods.

FIG. 8 d is an exemplary side view of the folding board system of FIG. 8 c.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are exemplary drawings of a user carrying an embodiment of a folding board system.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary drawing of a user carrying an embodiment of a folding board system in a carrying case.

FIG. 11 a is an exemplary drawing of an embodiment of a user storing a folding board system on a shelf.

FIG. 11 b is an exemplary drawing of an embodiment of a folding board system stored in a vehicle.

It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Since currently-available collapsible or folding boards fail to provide for a solid board structure when assembled and fail to provide for fast folding and stacking, novel folding board systems and methods that provide for a board that can fold into a compact stack, and that can be quickly assembled and folded, can prove desirable and provide a basis for improved portability and storage of such boards without sacrificing performance of the assembled board. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment disclosed herein, by a folding board system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 a.

Turning to FIG. 1 a, the folding board system 100 comprises a plurality of board sections 110 that are coupled via a plurality of hinge assemblies 120 that defined a linear board section mating interface 105. For example, in this embodiment, there are three board sections 110A, 110B, 110C and two hinge assemblies 120A, 120B. A first-end section 110A is coupled with a middle section 110B via a first hinge assembly 120A. A second-end section 110C is coupled with the middle section 110B via a second hinge assembly 120B.

FIGS. 1 b and 1 c depict examples of a folding board system 100 in a folded configuration and an assembled configuration respectively. As discussed in further detail herein, the hinge assemblies 120 may be configured to fold such that the board sections 110 can assume a stacked configuration as shown in FIG. 1 b and assume an extended and assembled configuration where the board sections 110 extend along substantially the same axis as shown in FIG. 1 c. Providing for a stacked configuration as in FIG. 1 b may be desirable because such a stacked configuration may provide for maximum compactibility of the board system 100 so that the board system 100 assumes a minimal collapsed volume and thereby provides for easier storage and transportation compared to prior art collapsible boards.

For example, FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are exemplary drawings of a user 900 carrying an embodiment of a folding board system 100. FIG. 10 is an exemplary drawing of a user 900 carrying an embodiment of a folding board system 100 in a carrying case 1000. FIG. 11 a is an exemplary drawing of an embodiment of a user 900 storing a folding board system 100 on a shelf 1120. FIG. 11 b is an exemplary drawing of an embodiment of a folding board system 100 stored in a vehicle 1140. Accordingly, various embodiments of a folding board system 100 shown and described herein are configured for easy portability and storage in conventional locations by users.

The board system 100 may be configured for use as various types of sports boards, including a surfboard (long-board or short-board), paddle-board, boogie-board, windsurfing board, or the like. In further embodiments, the board system 100 may be configured for use with other types of sports boards, including a skateboard, wakeboard, kitesurfing board, sandboarding board, snowboard, street luge board, skurfboard ski, or the like. In further embodiments, the board system 100 may be configured for use with any suitable extended objects of various sizes and shapes, both regular and irregular. Accordingly, the board sections 120 may comprise any suitable material, including fiberglass, foam, wood, plastic or the like.

Additionally, while the present example embodiments depict three board sections 110A, 110B, 110C and two hinge assemblies 120A, 120B, in further embodiments there may be any suitable number of hinge assemblies 120 and board sections 110. For example a board system 100 may be foldable into two, three, four, five, six, or seven sections in some embodiments.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are top and side exploded views of a folding board system 100 in accordance with one embodiment. In this embodiment, each hinge assembly 120 comprises a latch-side end-cap 205, a button-side end-cap 210, a pair of hinge mechanisms 215 and a latch clip 220. The end caps 205, 210 are configured to couple with an end of a board section 110 and to couple with a portion of the hinge mechanisms 215 and latch clip 220 as described in further detail herein.

As shown in FIG. 2 c, the hinge mechanisms 215 comprise at least one latch-side hinge-arm 216 and at least one a button-side hinge-arm 217 that are rotatably coupled via a hinge-pin 218. The latch clip 220 comprises a latch head 222 at a first end, a latch lever 223 at a second end, and a latch pivot 224 between the first and second ends of the latch clip 220. As described herein, the hinge mechanisms 215 and latch clip 220 are configured to allow for folded and assembled configurations of the board system 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, first and second hinge mechanisms 215A, 215B are rotatably coupled within respective latch-side cavities 325A, 325B defined by the latch-side end-cap 205 and are rotatably coupled within respective button-side cavities 330A, 330B (shown in FIGS. 4 b-4 d) defined by the button-side end-cap 210. The hinge mechanisms 215 are disposed along a common axis on opposing sides of the latch clip 220, which is rotatably disposed within the button-side end-cap 210. The latch head 222 of the latch clip 220 is configured to couple with a latch bar 320 that is disposed within a latch-cavity 315 that is defined by the latch-side end-cap 205.

When the hinge assembly 120 is assuming a closed configuration where opposing planar faces of the end-caps 205, 210 come together, the latch head 222 is configured to enter the latch-cavity 315, and engage the latch bar 320. In various embodiments, the latch clip 220 may be biased toward the latch bar 320 such that the latch head 222 engages the latch bar 320, when the latch head 222 is sufficiently extended within the latch-cavity 315. The engagement of the latch bar 320 and latch head 222 may provide a rigid locked coupling between the end-caps 205, 210 such that opposing faces of the end-caps 205, 210 are held together. Such a rigid locked coupling in each of the hinge assemblies 120 of the board system 100 may allow the board system 100 to assume a rigid assembled configuration, wherein the board system 100 is operable for a desired sporting use such as paddle-boarding, or the like.

To unlock the rigid coupling generated by the latch clip 220 and latch bar 320, a user can actuate the latch lever 223, which rotates the latch head 222 out of the engaged coupling with the latch bar 320, and allowed the latch head 222 to emerge from the latch cavity 315 as the faces of the end-caps 205, 210 separate. In various embodiments, the latch lever 223 may be actuated via a button-orifice 310 that is defined by a portion of the button-side end-cap 210.

Although one example embodiment of a latch clip 220 and latch bar 320 is illustrated herein, various other suitable configurations of a latch mechanism can be used to rigidly couple the board sections 110. For example, some embodiments can comprise a latch mechanism that includes a rod having a notch that is configured to interface with a latch bar, or the like.

In various embodiments, the hinge assembly 120, hinge mechanisms 215 and latch clip 220 are substantially concealed when the board system 100 is in an assembled configuration. This may be desirable because it allows for use of the assembled board system 100 in sports activities without such parts obstructing use, generating unnecessary drag, or potentially causing injury to a user. In other words, the board system 100 may have a profile that is substantially or maximally similar to a non-foldable or non-collapsible board.

Accordingly, while some depicted embodiments show exposed portions, cavities or other features that are not typically present on a non-foldable or non-collapsible board, such features may be altered or removed to provide for a board system 100 that is substantially similar or analogous to a non-foldable or non-collapsible board. For example, FIG. 3 depicts indented portions 301, 302 of respective cap ends 205, 210. In various embodiments, these indented portions 301, 302 may be absent or covered in a layered finishing process such as fiberglass, epoxy, gel-coat, or the like to match the planar surfaces of the board sections 110. In further embodiments, the indented portions 301, 302 may slide into a portion of a board section 110 or otherwise be hidden when the board system 100 is in an assembled configuration.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c depict a hinge assembly 120 in a closed, partially open, and open configuration respectively, and FIG. 4 d shows a rear view of the hinge assembly 120 in an open configuration. As shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 d, the hinge mechanism 215 may comprise a plurality of latch-side hinge-arms 216 and a plurality of button-side hinge-arms 217. For example, the depicted embodiments include a hinge mechanism 215 with a pair of latch-side hinge-arms 216A, 216B and pair of button-side hinge-arms 217A, 217B that are stacked alternately, with the hinge pin 224 extending through the hinge arms 216, 217 along an axis.

FIGS. 4 c and 4 d illustrate latch-side hinge-arms 216 are rotatably coupled within respective latch-side cavities 325A, 325B defined by the latch-side end-cap 205 and button-side hinge-arms 217 rotatably coupled within respective button-side cavities 330A, 330B. For example, in various embodiments, the hinge-arms 216, 217 may be rotatably coupled within the cavities 325, 330 via coupling pins or other suitable structure.

Although specific embodiments of a hinge assembly 120 are depicted herein, such embodiments should not be construed to be limiting as to the numerous embodiments of hinge assemblies that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments there may be one or more latch clip 220 and one or more latch bar 315. In some embodiments, a latch clip 220 and associated structures may be absent. In further embodiments a hinge assembly 120 may comprise one or more hinge mechanisms 215 disposed in any suitable position about the end-caps 205, 210. In some embodiments, the hinge mechanisms 215 may have any suitable number of hinge-arms 216, 217. Additionally, in further embodiments, the hinge assemblies 120 may be rigidly held together in a locked configuration via any suitable structures, including variations of latches, pin-in-slot, a friction coupling, or the like.

For example, FIGS. 5 a-c illustrate a folding board system 100 comprising a plurality of dual-axis hinges 500. In such embodiments, the dual-axis hinges 500 can be disposed on opposing sides of the board 100 and coupled at opposing ends of board sections 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b. However, in some embodiments, a plurality of dual-axis hinges 500 can be positioned on the same side of the board 100.

FIGS. 6 a-c illustrate another example embodiment of a hinge assembly 600 that can be included in a board system 100. This example hinge assembly 600 can comprise a pair of end caps or hinge plugs 610 that respectively extend along a plug axis Q and are coupled to respective hinge bodies 515. The hinge bodies 615 are rotatably coupled together via a hinge mechanism 620.

When in an open configuration as shown in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c the plug axes Q of the plugs 610 are parallel. However, in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 6 a, the plug axes Q of the plugs are coincident along a common axis Q. In the closed configuration shown in FIG. 6 a, respective plug faces 611 of the plugs 610 abut along with respective first body faces 616 of the hinge bodies 615. In the open configuration of FIGS. 6 b and 6 c, respective second body faces 617 of the hinge body 615 abut. Accordingly, the body faces 616, 617 and plug faces 611 can define stops in the open and closed configurations.

FIG. 7 a is an exemplary perspective view drawing illustrating an embodiment of a draw latch 700 and FIGS. 7 b and 7 c illustrate embodiments of board systems comprising one or more draw latch 700. As shown in FIG. 7 a, a draw latch 700 can comprise a latch head 705 that is rotatably coupled to a base 710 via an arm 715. The base 710 is coupled to a first section 110A. The latch head 705 is configured to couple with a hook 720 that is coupled with a second section 110B. By rotating the hooked latch head 705 toward the sections 110A, 110B, the sections 110A, 110B can be secured together. In various embodiments, one or more draw latches 700 can be positioned on any suitable location on a board system 100 including on one or both sides of the board system 100 and one or more draw latches 700 can be coupled along a given edge of a side of the board system 100 and/or at a linear board section mating interface 105. In various embodiments, draw latches 700 can be configured to be flush or recessed with a face of an assembled board system 100.

In further embodiments, board sections 110 can be hingedly coupled via a living hinge 800. In various embodiments, one or more living hinges 800 can be positioned on any suitable location on a board system 100 including on one or both sides of the board system 100 and one or more living hinge 800 can be coupled along a given edge of a side of the board system 100 and/or at a linear board section mating interface 105.

In still further embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 c and 8 d, a hinge assembly 850 can be fixed in a closed position via fixing rods 860 or other suitable fixing structure. For example as shown in FIGS. 8 c and 8 d, fixing rods 860 can be inserted into and reside within one or more fixing slots 870 defined by the hinge assembly 850 and/or a board section 110. In various embodiments, fixing rods 860 can be disposed perpendicular to a board axis B. Embodiments having fixing rods can be desirable because such rods can securely fix board sections 110 together in an assembled configuration by fixing a hinge assembly 850 in an assembled configuration, while being easily removable such that the board system 100 can be quickly folded.

As discussed herein, the example embodiments shown should not be construed to be limiting on the many variations and alternative embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, one embodiment of a folding board system 100 can comprise a plurality of hinge assemblies (e.g., 500, 600, 800, 850, or the like) comprising fixing rods 860, and also comprise a plurality of draw latches 700 and/or latch clips 220, or the like.

Accordingly, the described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding board system comprising: a plurality of board sections rotatably coupled via one or more hinge assemblies between respective board sections, the folding board system configured to assume a plurality of configurations, including: a folded configuration wherein the plurality of board sections assume a stacked configuration; and an assembled configuration wherein the plurality of board sections extend along a common axis.
 2. The folding board system of claim 1, wherein the hinge assemblies comprise first and second opposing end caps rotatably coupled via a hinge mechanism, the end caps configured to couple with an end of at least one of the board sections and define a portion of a linear board section mating interface.
 3. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the end caps are configured to reside within respective cavities defined by the board sections.
 4. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the hinge assemblies define planar faces configured to abut in the assembled configuration.
 5. The folding board system of claim 2, further comprising at least one latch at each of the linear board section mating interfaces configured to couple opposing board section ends in the assembled configuration.
 6. The folding board system of claim 5, wherein the latch comprises a latch clip configured to engage a latch bar disposed within a latch-cavity.
 7. The folding board system of claim 6, wherein the latch clip is biased and configured to be actuated via a button-orifice defined by a portion of an end cap.
 8. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the hinge assemblies are elongated and comprise a plurality of hinge mechanisms associated with a pair of end caps.
 9. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein each linear board section mating interface comprises a plurality of hinge assemblies.
 10. The folding board system of claim 9, wherein each hinge assembly comprises only one hinge mechanism and only one pair of end caps.
 11. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a living hinge.
 12. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a dual-axis hinge.
 13. The folding board system of claim 2, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a fixing rod configured to fix the hinge assembly in the assembled configuration.
 14. The folding board system of claim 13, wherein the fixing rod is configured to slidably reside within a fixing slot defined by the hinge assembly.
 15. The folding board system of claim 1, wherein the folding board system comprises a paddle-board.
 16. The folding board system of claim 1, consisting of three board sections.
 17. The folding board system of claim 1, wherein the board sections are planar and configured to lie flat on each other in the folded configuration. 